Test Laboratory Audit - A Calibrated Wall Clock?

[Ken K]

Lab Audit

Sometimes you wonder how far an auditor will go to find something...anything.

Just went through our 11th QS audit this morning. One auditor who was determined to leave with at least one non-conformance if it took him all day. And this is what he found.

He picked out one GM test method and had us print a copy out. He wanted to make sure we had the most current copy on file. No problem. The method was for hot odor testing.

First thing he asked was to see the calibration record for the oven we use. Wanted to know if it was calibrated and could hold a temperature of 105 +/- 2C. No problem.
Second thing he asked was how we time the test. Tolerance is 24 +0/-2 hrs. Told him we use the clock hanging in the lab and write the start and end time on our worksheet. So he asked to see the calibration record for the clock.

So...how many of you calibrate your wall clocks? Just curious.








Our only non-conformance after a 2 1/2hr audit.

 

[Craig H.]

Ken K said:
"Our only non-conformance after a 2 1/2hr audit."

Really? How can you be sure, non-calibrated clocks and all??


Seriously, with a +/- 2 hour window, why not argue that the initial factory calibration is enough.

If the clock is a plug in model, doesn't that work off of the 60 Hz cycle provided by the power company (I don't know)?

I have heard some good ones, but this really is going too far.

 

[tomvehoski]

That is downright stupid. I would file and appeal with the registrar and make sure that particular auditor never returns to your company again. A sundial should be accurate enough for a 2 hour tolerance. Of course then you would need a calibration certificate for the Earth and Sun.

Tom

 

[Ken K]

I agree Tom but...

...if this auditor can go back home after three days in our plant and feel good about what he accomplished, more power to him. I can't imagine him going to his boss and saying "look what I found".

This was his second visit. I actually enjoy dealing with him. But this one was pretty funny. He got a little ticked when I told him you've got to be kidding.

I guess that's why QS is so value added...